Cities, townships, counties and school districts all deal with complex issues and budgets that are difficult to summarize into sound bites or articles. In a small community like ours it doesn’t take long for misinformation to spread, as was the case with news that the Cook County School District was beginning to explore the development of a facility that would provide Early Childhood and Family Education (ECFE) and Special/Alternative Education services.
At the December 18, 2014 school board meeting, I requested the board consider seeking a planning grant to provide a preliminary design and cost estimate for an educational facility designed to provide the services for Early Childhood and Special/ Alternative Education. The board was asked to think about the concept and then act on the request in January. No action was taken at the December 18, 2014 school board meeting and no estimate was provided. Should the board decide to pursue a planning grant and secure one, the district will be seeking input from the Cook County Early Childhood Coalition, Cook County School District staff, and community members.
The 2013-14 and 2014-15 budgets were also discussed during the Truth in Taxation hearing held on December 18, 2014. In November, the board accepted the auditor’s report that stated the Cook County School District’s unassigned general fund balance was just over $584,000. I shared with the board that during the transition in finance specialists, there were oversights in the development of the 2013-14 budget. Additionally, there was overspending in some areas. Because of the lower than expected fund balance, I informed the board we would be reviewing the budget at each meeting and every effort would be made to hold costs down during the 2014- 15 school year.
If you would like additional information, I would be happy to discuss Cook County School District’s budget, financial outlook, exploration of an Education Center or any other educational issue. Please call me at 218-387-2271 ext. 612.
Beth A. Schwarz
Cook County School District
Superintendent
On behalf of the Cook County
School District Board of Directors
Leave a Reply